Roof Replacement

Roof Replacements vary in cost. It is determined by various factors like the material selected for installation, the steepness of the roof, its size and access. These are all factors an inspector can asses when looking at your roof. Prices also change monthly due to the current market’s fluctuating material prices. Project estimates should be requested within the month the roof will be replaced for the most up to date pricing.

A roof needs to be replaced when multiple repair attempts have failed or when it is more cost effective to replace instead of continuing repairs. Even a well maintained roof will eventually need to be replaced. A material’s expected lifespans can range anywhere from 15-50 years depending on the type of roofing system. Once the roofing system has exceeded its expected lifespan, or is not repairable, owners should replace their roofs to prevent extensive wood damage to their structure.

If the roof has experienced multiple leaks and water damage before being replaced, the best way to estimate the cost of wood work is via change order once the roof is removed. It is difficult to estimate wood costs before removal as the wood is not visible and covered by all the layers of roofing material. A change order is the most transparent way to account for woodwork as rates are given in advance on a per ft or per sheet basis. Owners will not have to worry about corners being cut to stay under budget or being overcharged with an inflated price for an unknown amount of wood.

The most critical time in a roof’s lifespan is its beginning. The quality of the installation is a large factor in determining its lifespan. Even the best material will leak after a few years if improperly installed. An experienced installer will know that some roof areas require more attention to details than other areas and ensure the roof is watertight. It is not about the speed of installation but about understanding the flow of water on the roof to add the flashing appropriately to waterproof the building.

All roof replacements require a permit and require two inspections with the city. The first when the roof is removed, the second upon its completion. All permit fees are included in our estimate pricing and we take care of all scheduling with the city.

General Stages Of A Roof Replacement

• Tear off: Removing all layers of existing roofing system and disposing of it in a proper manner

• Wood Work: Repairing or installing any necessary sheathing as needed to pass the city inspection

• First City Inspection

• Underlayment: Installation of underlayment on sloped roofs or base layer on flats

• Detail Areas, Vents & Flashings: Installing vent flashings, attic vents, valley metals, skylight and chimney flashings and other detail metals as needed to properly waterproof the home and allow for proper water flow off roof

• Top Layer Installation: Install owners selected material of choice per manufacturer’s specifications.

• Sealing and Painting: Finishing touches on all roof penetrations and detail areas

• Final City Inspection

For more detailed examples of a roof replacement by material type, visit our roofing blog or gallery to learn more. For more information on a roof replacement for your property, give us a call for a free estimate.